Moving from principles to action for energy supply that mitigates
against climate change requires a long-term perspective. Energy
infrastructure takes time to build up; new energy technologies take
time to develop. Policy shifts often also need many years to take
effect. In most world regions the transformation from fossil to
renewable energies will require additional investment and higher
supply costs over about twenty years

key results

5.8 transport

A key target in France is to introduce incentives for people to drive smaller cars. In addition, it is vital to shift transport use to efficient modes like rail, light rail and buses, especially in the expanding large metropolitan areas. Together with rising prices for fossil fuels, these changes reduce the huge growth in car sales projected under the Reference scenario. Energy demand from the transport sector is reduced by 732 PJ/a in 2050 compared to today’s levels, saving 49% compared to the Reference scenario. Energy demand in the transport sector will therefore decrease between 2009 and 2050 by 59% to 768 PJ/a.

Highly efficient propulsion technology with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric power trains will bring large efficiency gains. By 2030, electricity will provide 9% of the transport sector’s total energy demand in the Energy [R]evolution, while in 2050 the share will be 58%.